InnoVision 2026: Special Forum on Military IT Convergence was held on June 17 at the FEU Tech Innovation Center in Manila, bringing together experts, educators, military personnel, and technology professionals to assess the country’s preparedness for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into national security and broader public-sector innovation.
Dr. Gabriel Avelino R. Sampedro, Founder and CEO of Philippine Coding Camp (PCC), emphasized that the imperative is no longer about whether the Philippines is ready for AI but why readiness is urgent.
“It’s not a question of are we ready; it’s why we should be ready—and we should be ready now. AI today is far more advanced than before, and we need to keep up by upskilling and training to maximize these developments.”
Ms. Rossana T. Adao, Executive Director of FEU Tech, reinforced the importance of embracing technology: “Technology, including AI, makes our lives easier. We shouldn’t be afraid of it. Instead, we need to learn how to work with it and continuously improve ourselves through upskilling.”
PCC, FEU Tech, and the FEU Tech Innovation Center announced a new partnership during the forum, designed to expand opportunities for young innovators and enhance institutional technology capabilities nationwide. According to Dr. Sampedro, their efforts include campus tours and collaborative programs with universities such as the University of Eastern Pangasinan, Philippine Military Academy, Lyceum of the Philippines (Manila and Cavite), and Marikina Polytechnic College.
“We aim to enrich the academic experience and present diverse technology opportunities, especially through forums like InnoVision, which promote emerging technologies and AI awareness.”
Engr. Daryl D. David, Senior Director for Innovation and Research at FEU Tech, noted the impact on education: “Democratizing AI also increases the responsibility of teachers to ensure that learning objectives are met in this evolving environment.”
Mr. Jarvis C. Muyargas, Senior Director for Student Success at FEU Tech, explained that the forum was held at FEU due to its partnership with PCC and a shared goal to strengthen the research capabilities of the Philippine Military Academy and Armed Forces of the Philippines for nation-building.
The forum highlighted PCC’s ongoing role in providing technology upskilling and research support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and related organizations. PCC conducts training in areas such as software quality assurance, digital tools, and technology-enabled workflows to complement defense modernization efforts. These programs aim to build technical knowledge and foster a culture of innovation in the defense community.
Distinguished speakers included Dr. Artem Lensky of UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy and Dr. Steve Chan, a science and technology adviser. They provided perspectives on the evolving roles of AI, surveillance, information technologies, and open-source intelligence in defense and public-sector contexts.
InnoVision 2026 builds on a campus series conducted earlier in the year, shifting from technology awareness among students to institutional collaboration and professional capacity-building. The FEU Tech Innovation Center serves as a hub for interdisciplinary projects, practical exposure, research, and collaboration among students, educators, industry partners, and government representatives.
PCC’s broader mission is to bridge technology education and real-world application by connecting young innovators and institutions with technical experts and industry practitioners. Its programs span artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, supporting both private and public sector partners.
The new partnership is expected to open up opportunities for future forums, workshops, and collaborative projects, aiming to develop a pipeline of future-ready Filipino innovators and strengthen the country’s capacity for digital transformation and innovation.